Landlord rules in Victoria

Victoria is managed by Consumer Affairs Victoria under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic). Rules verified against the regulator. General information — not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.

How much notice do I need to give for a routine inspection?

Routine inspection — 7 days' written notice; once every 6 months; not in the first 3 months. You can generate the Notice of entry from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (Vic) ss 85(b)(iv), 86

Source: Routine inspection

How often can I increase the rent, and how much notice do I give?

Rent increase — once every 12 months; at least 90 days' written notice. You can generate the Notice of rent increase (90 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (Vic) s 44(1)

Source: Rent increase

How far behind does the rent have to be before I can issue a breach notice?

Rent arrears — a 14-day Notice to Vacate can issue once the renter is 14+ days behind; it is of no effect if the renter pays all overdue rent before the termination date, and a separate notice is needed for each occasion. You can generate the Notice to vacate (14-day) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (Vic) s 91ZM

Source: Rent arrears

How much bond can I take, and how is it lodged?

Bond — max 1 month's rent (unless weekly rent over $900); lodge with the RTBA. You can generate the RTBA lodgement from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (Vic) s 31(1),(3)

Source: Bond

What are my smoke alarm obligations?

Smoke alarms — tested at least once every 12 months; annual safety check mandatory from 25 Nov 2025. You can generate the Smoke alarm check from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Source: Smoke alarms

What minimum standards does the property have to meet?

Minimum standards — 14 rental minimum standards, in force since 29 Mar 2021. The linked regulator page has the full VIC detail.

Source: Minimum standards

How do I end a tenancy at the end of the fixed term?

Ending a tenancy — 'no reason' notices abolished (25 Nov 2025); a valid reason is required (e.g. sale/repairs = 90 days). You can generate the Notice to vacate (reason required) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1997 (Vic) s 91ZZA; ss 91ZZD/91ZZDA repealed (No 6/2025)

Source: Ending a tenancy

What counts as an urgent repair, and what must I do about it?

Urgent repairs — renter may arrange and be reimbursed up to $2,500 (repaid within 7 days).

Source: Urgent repairs

Can I refuse a tenant's pet request?

In Victoria, respond to a written pet request within 14 days. To refuse you must apply to VCAT; if you don't respond within 14 days consent is taken to be given. No separate pet bond is allowed. Decisions the tenant disputes are heard by VCAT. Use the app's pet annexure + decision letter to record it properly.

Source: Victoria — pet rules

How does my tenant pay rent?

Rent lives on the Rent page — see who's paid and record payments. Your tenant pays your bank account directly (transfer or PayID, quoting your payment reference); LandlordMate never touches the money, it just keeps the record.

Source: How-to · Rent

How do I screen an applicant?

Applicants and their checks live on Screening — compare them, run the background check, and send a good prospect an application link.

Source: How-to · Screening

How do I advertise a vacancy?

Open the property and turn on the listing bridge — you get a public link and a private enquiries inbox. Post the link to Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Flatmates or Rent.com.au (the big portals only take listings from licensed agents). Your contact details stay private.

Source: How-to · Open a property

How do I get my EOFY pack for my accountant?

Reports has your monthly owner statement and EOFY pack — export CSV or OFX (imports into Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks) or email the pack to your accountant.

Source: How-to · Reports